Penn State holds commencement
Penn State Fayette Campus 2002 graduates learned that they will be part of a larger life that lies beyond the threshold of their time spent at the college from State Senator Richard A. Kasunic, (D-Dunbar). Kasunic, who is a member of the campus advisory board, served as guest speaker during the Penn State Fayette’s 32nd annual commencement exercises Saturday that recognized students graduating from seven associate degree programs and five baccalaureate degree programs.
Graduation ceremonies were conducted in the Maltho convocation Center, while nursing students also took part in a pinning ceremony earlier in the day.
In his address to an audience of about 350 people, Kasunic touched on various reasons as to why the Class of 2002 should be proud of their accomplishments and how they are part of the “lifeblood” of Penn State.
“Learning is a lifestyle and not an end in itself,” said Kasunic.
According to Kasunic, the most significant ingredient to a person is his or her character, noting that sharing and caring for others is one of the secrets of life. “When we’re good to others, we’re best to ourselves,” said Kasunic.
While Kasunic spoke briefly about the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, he emphasized how Americans must not only continue to fight against economic hardships, but also, such issues as poverty, hunger and oppression. With this in mind, Kasunic asked that graduates accept the challenges that lie ahead as future leaders of this country.
As successful graduates, Kasunic said that students may encounter failures throughout life with questions of how to accept it; however, “Many of life’s failures are the beginning of success,” said Kasunic.
As the Class of 2002 begins another chapter in their lives, Kasunic referred to their graduation day as the beginning of an experience that will put to test the principals that they have learned. Kasunic said that while no one can control the length of their life, they have something to say about the width and the depth of it.
Kasunic cited a verse asking graduates to keep as a future guide throughout their lives in which he emphasized for them to bestow acts of kindness on fellow human beings and that while doing so to remember, “I shall not pass this way again.”
During their time as students, Wayne Port, campus advisory chairman, said what makes Fayette campus a well-rounded learning environment is the diversity of the faculty, staff and students that attend it. “Everyone is different and that makes Penn State a special institution,” said Port.
In the wake of Sept. 11, Port also stressed that while society has the right to speak freely, they should be kinder to others in order to avoid unnecessary conflict. “Remember, we can make the world a better place to live by being kind to our fellow inhabitants,” said Port.
In addition to Kasunic and Port, remarks by several other officials were made throughout the ceremony, including, Gregory Gray, campus executive officer, Willard Fuller, director of student affairs, the Reverend Peter Ostrander, Vicar, St. George Episcopal Church, Michael Mahalik, director of academic affairs and Matthew Drozd, director of instructional advancement. Willard Fuller served as commencement Marshal.
The National Anthem was sang by Douglas Wright with student responses by Bobbie J. Hensel, who delivered the commencement address representing the associate degree programs. Hensel of Mill Run received an Associate Degree in Human Development and Family Students and held the highest grade point average in her degree.
Gary Wood of Point Marion and Carolyn Wachtel of Uniontown delivered addresses representing the Baccalaureate Degree programs. Wood received a diploma in the business program and Wachtel, the nursing program.